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Dartford Valley Rugby Club

Project overview:
The newly formed rugby facilities at Stone Lodge provide a top-class home for the Borough’s only rugby club – Dartford Valley Community Rugby Club (DVRFC) – and a valuable community asset. They also serve to rejuvenate an area of previously underused heathland on high ground overlooking the River Thames.

The new facility includes a carefully crafted yet robust clubhouse building and two full size, international-standard pitches; one an all-weather 3G pitch to the west of the club house, and an all grass pitch to be formed following the removal of overhead power lines to the east.

The site is clearly organised and prioritises accommodating two high-quality playing areas set out within the ideal range of orientation for rugby – approximately along a north-south axis.
The clubhouse is well-sited between the pitches and is equally clearly laid out: the ‘front door’ faces south and is apparent from the site entrance; player access and spectator views directly relate to the pitches to east and west; and a large function room at first floor level includes a view towards the most iconic local landmark – the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge to the north.

A generous external terrace also commands an expansive panorama of a broad stretch of the Thames. ‘Match day’ accommodation is generally organised at ground floor level (four team changing rooms with support accommodation, the main clubroom and WCs) with the large function room and terrace at first floor offering a funding stream to the club via external lettings.

Sector: Commercial
Contract Value: £750k
Main Contractor: BBS Construction
Duration: 24 weeks
Type of works: Groundworks & surfacing
Status: Complete